SB 5176-S2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that: (1) Washington needs to provide additional resources for the preparation of teachers for children with blindness and visual impairments;

(2) Portland State University has a nationally recognized program for teachers of children with visual impairments; and

(3) A collaborative partnership between Portland State University and Washington State University-Vancouver would help address the critical need for teachers of the blind and visually impaired in Washington.

Directs Washington State University, to the extent that state funds are appropriated or that private or federal funds are available for this specific purpose, to establish the position of vision impairments/orientation and mobility coordinator to be housed at Washington State University-Vancouver.

Authorizes Washington State University to solicit, accept, receive, and administer federal funds or private funds, in trust or otherwise, and contract with foundations or with for-profit or nonprofit organizations to support the purposes of the act.